Gamal Hamdan
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Gamal Hemdan | |
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جمال حمدان | |
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| Born | February 4, 1928 Nay village, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt |
| Died | April 17, 1993 (aged 65) Cairo, Egypt |
Gamal Hemdan (Arabic: جمال حمدان; February 2, 1928 – April 17, 1993) was an Egyptian geographer and scholar known for his work on Egypt's geography, history, and culture.[1][citation needed]
Early life and education
Hemdan was born on February 2, 1928, in the Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt.[1] He received his primary education and then went to Tawfiqiyya secondary school.[1] Hemdan then pursued higher education at Cairo University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree.[1]
Following his undergraduate studies, Hamdan received a scholarship to study at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. There, he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees under the guidance of Professor Austen Miller.[1]
Academic career and contributions
After completing his doctoral studies, Hamdan returned to Egypt and became a faculty member at Cairo University.[1] His academic work primarily focused on the geography, history, and culture of Egypt and the Arab world.
Hamdan is known for his trilogy on Egypt's character and its position in the world:
1. The Personality of Egypt
2. Studies of the Arab World
3. The Contemporary Islamic World Geography
"The Personality of Egypt" is considered his magnum opus,[1][2] taking ten years to complete and drawing from over 900 references in multiple languages.
Major works
Hemdan was a prolific writer, authoring numerous books and articles in both Arabic and English. Some of his notable works include:
- Studies on the Arab World (1958)
- Patterns of Environments (1958)
- The Arab City (1964)
- Anthropology of Jews (1967)
- The Contemporary Islamic World (1971)[1]
Approach and methodology
Hemdan's work is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach that integrates geography with history, sociology, politics, and culture. He emphasized the unique geographical and historical aspects of Egypt and their influence on its development and character.
Recognition and awards
Hemdan received several awards for his academic contributions, including:
- State Incentive Prize for Arts and Letters (1959)
- State Merit Prize for Social Science (1986)
- Scientific Criticism Award by the State of Kuwait (1986)
- Order of Merit of the First Class for Science and Arts (1988)[2]
However, reports suggest that Hamdan declined to accept most awards after 1959, preferring to focus on his academic work.
Legacy
- Gamal Hamdan was assassinated on April 17, 1993. His work continues to be studied and referenced in academic circles, particularly in the fields of Egyptian and Arab world studies.
